Part 1

Part 2

Fashion heavy hitters were in attendance for the 2013 Met Gala Monday night in New York City at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the annual Costume Institute Benefit ball.

This year’s theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture” exhibit, opens on today and documents punk’s presence on the runway since the days of the Sex Pistols and Vivienne Westwood to its continuing influence today. Celebrity attendees traded their formal wear for safety pins, spikes and mohawks. Miley Cyrus in a black fishnet Marc Jacobs dress, Kerry Washington in a purple and leather Vera Wang dress and Sarah Jessica Parker in an ornate Giles gown with a giant Philip Treacy hat and custom Christian Louboutin boots to match.

By KENYATTA SMITH

1) Blazer

A blazer can be worn from day to night and can be slimming. Try a bold colored blazer and accessories to bring out neutral pieces.

2) A Fitted Dress

Whether its a wrap dress or a little black dress, your warbdrobe should could have one dress that can be worn from the office to grabbing a quick bite to eat after work.

3) Fitted Jeans

During the winter dark wash jeans can be slimming and chic when paired with a blouse. During the summer and spring, lighter washes can keep you cool and still bring out the look you want. Add bold shoes, you are sure to make a statement.

By Krystiana Bonheur

1) SPF!
Sunscreen is a summer essential for everyone. Overexposure to the sun causes premature aging, so it is important to slather SPF all over your body and face, and appropriately re-apply if your are swimming. Make sure the sunscreen you are using is broad spectrum. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

2) Lightweight Foundation
A lightweight foundation is a must have during summer time. Foundation provides your skin extra protection from the sun, while perfecting flaws. If you are not into foundations, a great alternative to a lightweight foundation is a tinted moisturizer, BB or CC cream.

3) Hair Mask
All of those hours spent swimming in the pool or ocean are harsh on your hair. Both salt and chlorine dry your hair out. A simple solution to this is treating your strands to a hair mask once a week. Look for something with rich emollients like Argan oil, Avocado oil or Shea butter.

4) Waterproof Mascara
Mascara is one of those cosmetic products you should never leave the house without. Since, no one likes raccoon eyes, choose a waterproof mascara for your summer time aquatic activities. Even if you’re not going to be getting wet, hot and humid climates can cause regular mascara to smudge.

5) Tinted Lip Balm
Summer makeup is always best when it’s understated. Instead of wearing a traditional lipstick, opt for a tinted lip balm. A tinted lip balm will give you lips a wash of color, while keeping them moisturized throughout the day.

By DWHITNEY EMANUEL

Behind the scenes:

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Food Comes First

Regardless of who you are and what your goal is, the manner in which you nourish your body is the greatest determinant of the results you obtain.

Start with simple lifestyle changes. Eat out a little less, fill your plate with more green and less white, and choose healthy snacks. Dramatic changes from the jump might be biting off more than you can chew and sustaining such stressful changes is less likely. Pick one or two rules to adhere to and commit them to habit before picking up another.

Keep It Moving

The gym, with all its macho and feux fashion shows, is not always the best place to begin. If others sweating it out is motivation for you, then by all means. If not, a jog around the block might be a better starting point for you. The key is to increase activity in your lifestyle as a whole. The body adapts to habit, so simply moving more will do wonders not only for your physique, but for mood, energy level, focus and productivity.

Rest Rest Rest

Research says we are best when we rest. This is not simply sleep we are talking about here, but genuine down time. In addition to the recommended 8 hours of quality dream time, research indicates that the brain and body need time periodically throughout the day to cool the circuits. So if you aren’t already, schedule time away from responsibility to read a book or take a walk to refresh the mind body and spirit.

By JOSHUA HONORE

Behind the Scenes:

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Check out Pari’s moves:

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 Words from Pari Bradlee:

“Teaching yoga is my passion. I don’t have a favorite thing about teaching yoga because it is my life. Yoga saved my life. It saves my life everyday. I cannot imagine living my life without a yoga practice. Yoga for me is a very sacred practice. It is a prayer in motion. It gives me the opportunity to quiet my very noisy mind and come back to my true self and my true purpose in life. I do not subscribe to yoga as a workout. Yoga is a work IN. Every pose has a purpose, so I guess you could say ALL of the poses are my favorite, particularly the ones most take for granted.”

Pari Bradlee is a private yoga instructor as well as a trainer at Tranquil Space in Georgetown, DC.

The past decade has marked a dramatic shift in Roscoe’s creative talents from fashion model to fashion designer. Recognizing a market for custom clothing that evokes old world elegance, style and sophistication, Roscoe launched a couture line dedicated to those who wish to, according to him, “make a statement without uttering a word.”

Mark Roscoe Design began with the creation of a striking line of neckties designed “for the man with a strong sense of style and the confidence to express it.”  Personally selecting the finest quality silks, primarily imported from Italy and the Far East, Roscoe ensures that each tie is carefully positioned, hand cut and sewn with meticulous precision.

The resounding success of the custom neckwear afforded an opportunity to expand Mark Roscoe Design to include fine women’s couture.  Each unique design begins as a muslin silhouette, specifically formed on the body of the woman who will be wearing the garment and inspired by the spirit of the event.  Celebrated for the masterful blend of fabric and design, coupled with an extraordinary eye for detail, Mark Roscoe couture features the finishing touches (artfully hand-beaded embellishments, bound or French seams, custom buttons and trims) sure to instill a classic sense of timeless elegance, grace and style.

An iconic favorite in the Chicago fashion scene, Roscoe’s creative talents have recently been recognized by national and international markets.  His stunning couture evening gowns and custom men’s neckwear were much acclaimed additions to the  Wow! Creations 2013 Academy Award Gifting Suite held in honor of the Oscars. Roscoe has also been invited to take part in other high profile fashion events, including  Style Chicago – Art of Fashion 2013, and the prestigious Emerge fashion show held in conjunction with New York’s  Fashion Week.

The stellar couture of Mark Roscoe Design has made Roscoe a rising star in the high fashion industry.  Are you ready to “make a statement without uttering a word”?

To have a serious career in modeling, you have to do your homework. It’s your responsibility to keep up with the latest hair, clothes and make-up trends, as well as the type of models that top fashion designers and editors are looking for.

Showroom modeling is a great way to get modeling/runway experience, and break into the business. If your area has local designers, they often time have small informal runway shows. Another thing to consider is  promotional modeling; designers often have trunk shows and require models to show off their garments. Commercial modeling includes advertising work,  including print television, brochures and billboards.

The best way to know what works and where the business is going is to see what the pros are doing. With a little required reading, namely Vogue, Elle, Allure, and GQ for guys, these magazines can help out and are some of the best publications out there.

Once you determine what field is best for you it’s time to get serious!

Taken From the DVD ‘How Models Are Made’ By Paul Wharton

Following Items can be found at Gilt, by clicking here.

Coconut oil can be incorporated into your beauty routine for hair and skin. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and absorbs into the skin easily. Great as a moisturizer, conditioner and a way to treat acne, here are a few ways you can use coconut oil:

1) Coconut oil as a deep conditioner

Start with wet hair. Scoop about a half a cup of coconut oil into your hand (long/thick hair may require more). Start at the ends and massage the oil onto the hair. Next, use fingers to massage the oil onto the scalp. Using a wide tooth comb, comb through the hair to make sure the oil is distributed evenly. Place a plastic cap over the hair for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the hair with warm water, shampoo, then use your regular conditioner. Style as usual.

2) Coconut oil as an acne treatment

Wash your face with your regular face wash. Pat dry and use a cotton ball to apply with hazel all over the face. Replace your moisturizer with a thin layer of coconut oil before going to bed daily.

3) Coconut oil as a body moisturizer

Start by cleansing the skin and gently towel dry. While the skin is still damp, massage the coconut oil into the skin in a circular motion from head to toe. The oil will be absorbed within a few minutes.

By KRYSTIANA BONHEUR 

[Source: Photography by ioulex]

Rebel child

DC on Heels: Maya! Thanks so much for chatting with me. How did you come to be a fashionista? Did you love music first or fashion? Was there a meeting of the minds for you, or did you have a first love?

Maya Beiser: I grew up on a kibbutz in Israel, like a commune. All of our clothing was hand-me-downs, we would go pick up clothing. There was so little room to put your own signature on stuff.

[Source: Photography by ioulex]

DC: Your style has kind of a rock star bohemian vibe, which I totally appreciate! What are your inspirations, fashion-wise, who are your idols and who do you look to?

Maya: I love edgy, avant-garde fashion. I always love the idea of rethinking, reconstructing how to use things in a non-traditional way. I love shoes! Shoes are a huge thing for me. Really high heels, too. I wear crazy shoes onstage, I feel like they’re a huge statement. I’m really drawn into designers that are a bit androgynous and avant-garde, but still make sexy, feminine pieces. Combining those elements works for me.

The thing about a woman with a cello, there’s something we expect. And the cello has its own kind of female body, and having the cello between your legs, there are a lot of connotations there. I love to play with that. I love to play with boots on, to have the cello between my boots. I love to wear a jacket and a short skirt and boots when I play — not too mini, though, I need to open my legs to play! I think about interest in the arms, things that give a different focus off the body. I love really high couture as well, a whole range of things. Rick Owens is one of my favorite designers. His stuff is great! I have a lot of Giuseppe Zanotti, Louis Vuitton of course and Jeffrey Campbell! He’s a crazy, edgy, American shoe designer who makes very cool and very affordable stuff. These days with fashion, a lot of people don’t need to have tons of money to be dressed really cool. You guys have to know how to construct it. How to get it!

DC: So, I was going to ask if you’re more of a vintage hunter or a couture girl?

Maya: I like to mix and match! I love to wear some really fancy couture item with a down to earth leather jacket, pieces like that. I love shopping in the East Village and finding little boutiques. I love to mix high couture with a downtown edge.
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Music in Motion

DC: How much style input do you get when you make something like a music video? I saw your music video for Kashmir and loved it. What a great song, and I love your take on it. I loved the style, and you’re a yogini yourself. Was that styled for you, or did you help in the styling and planning yourself?

[Source: Photography by ioulex]

In terms of what I was wearing, I was wearing items from these three great New York designers: Yigal Azrouel, Three as Four and Rick Owens. There are stylists. I worked with a great stylist and the director, of course, but I always have my strong input!

DC: When it comes to performance pieces, do you have a favorite outfit you’ve ever worn? Or a favorite pair of boots? How about a dream pair of boots that isn’t in your closet yet?

Maya: One of my favorite boots that I’ve been wearing recently are these Zanotti boots with a really high platform. Knee high, black boots, and they’re incredible! They’re really fun. I also have several YSL boots, with very high heels, and ankle boots that I love. I have some really cool Marni boots that I love, too! I also love some Miu Miu Prada shoes, they make amazing boots.

In terms of gowns, recently I got three amazing gowns from Rick Owens that I love! Really cool, open gowns I can do a lot with. I love Donna Karan gowns, too! It’s a challenge to get gowns that I can play the cello with, but these are some of my recent most exciting looks.

Time Loops and ancient style

DC: Your upcoming performance in D.C., Time Loops is a selection from Just Ancient Loops. Let me ask you a question with a bit of synaesthesia: If this show were a person, how would you dress it? What’s the style of the show and how does it relate to your personal style?

Maya: I think the style of the show would be something between some ancient priest or a goddess — and then some kind of a modern, edgy twist. The reason being that this music is really a new way to present very, very old concepts in music: the way music was used with nature in Greek times and Renaissance songs. I have those images of those beautiful pieces, the mixture of that. Also, in our music, we look at ways different cultures view heaven as well as nature. A combination of a very earthy, ancient connection with something very edgy and modern.

DC: Maybe some YSL boots under the dress?

Maya: I think so!

[Source: Photography by ioulex]

Article by Tini Howard, DC on Heels

Richard Sandoval’s taqueria and tequileria located at 1819 14th St. NW is featuring guacs from five different regions of Mexico, including one made with grasshoppers. Guacamole dates back to as early as the 16th Century when the Aztecs ground up avocado, onion, chili peppers, fresh tomato and salt. Over time, regions of the country began mixing in local ingredients, creating thousands of variations.

The Sur guacamole at El Centro features grasshoppers, tomatillos, cotija cheese, onion, chile cascabel, cilantro, lime and sea salt. (Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

In addition to El Centro’s traditional guac made with avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro and chile serrano, the Sur, with flavors from the south, includes grasshoppers, tomatillos, cotija cheese, onion, chile cascabel, cilantro, lime and sea salt. It is the most daring of the guacamoles on the special menu. For the most part, it tastes like regular guac. The grasshoppers are a bit tough and chewy, though add no real discernible flavor.

The Baja with flavors from Baja California includes kiwi, jicama, strawberry, mango, mint, chile arbol, lime and sea salt. This was my favorite, with the strawberries and mango adding sweetness to the sour kiwi and fatty avocado. The Norteno features flavors from the north incorporating chicharron, picked onion, salsa fresco, serrano, queso fresco, roasted corn, lime and sea salt. Also on the limited-time menu, the Pacifico features flavors from the Pacific coast including grilled beet, roasted walnut, queso fresco, diced orange, citrus chipotle salt and lime juice. And the Yucatan includes flavors from the Yucatan Peninsula including shrimp ceviche, spicy salsa habanero, salsa fresca, orange, lime and sea salt.

El Centro’s guacamole festival includes (clockwise) the Pacifico, the Norteno, the Yucatan and the Sur varieties. (Mark Heckathorn/DC on Heels)

The featured guacamoles are made at your table and range in price from $10.95 to $13.95. El Centro is also offering a guacamole toastada sampler, a tasting of the Norteno, Pacifico and Sur guacamoles with mini toastadas, habanero salsa and tomatillo salsa for $11.95.

El Centro’s special menu also features three special varieties of nachos and horochos, flatbreads with various toppings, basically a Mexican pizza. There are also two drink specials during the festival. The watermelon aqua fresco is spiked with tequila blanco (this is very tasty and I recommend it) and the kiwi margarita is made with tequila blanco, fresh kiwi, citrus and a chile piquin rim. Both cocktails cost $10.95 each. The watermelon aqua fresca is $3.95 without alcohol.

Article by Executive Editor Mark Heckathorn, DC on Heels